The Loretto community has continuously been trying to prevent the spread of COVID, and one of the most effective ways to do this is by getting fully vaccinated.

A COVID booster shot is an additional dose vaccine given after the first and second vaccines that serve as protection after original vaccine effects begin to diminish over time. 

After immunity from the original doses starts to wear off, a booster shot is recommended. 

The booster is intended to help people maintain their immunity for a longer period of time.

A COVID-19 booster is suggested by the CDC if the recipient is: 18 years old and have had the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine for a minimum time of two months, one has at least five months or more of receiving both needed doses of Moderna, or one is 12 years of age or older, and has received both needed doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination within the last five months. 

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the only vaccine that has been approved for people aged 12 to 17.

After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, individuals may have transitory symptoms similar to those experienced after receiving a flu shot, such as a sore, bruised arm where the shot was injected. 

For a day or two, the possible side effects may include fever, body aches, headaches, exhaustion, swollen lymph nodes, or chills. 

Loretto students shared their experiences after receiving the booster and explained their motivations to get vaccinated with their booster shot.

Senior, Sara Rodarte, said, “I was motivated to get the booster because I was aware of what needed to be done for my community, and I knew that by getting the booster I would not only help myself, but I would help those who are most vulnerable.

Another motivation included the ability to see my friends and continue with my life, still maintaining caution.

It was voluntary, and I did not experience any side effects apart from a sore arm.”

Junior, Patricia Fernandez, said, “I voluntarily got the booster at the beginning of December after I had previously received both of the doses of Pfizer.

I  really believe in what doctors recommend nowadays, and I know that these vaccines will help us a lot to not experience severe symptoms that could eventually send us to hospitals.

My parents also influenced my ideals to always get all my vaccines and shots, which is why I am used to them.

I did experience side effects including a sore arm, a fever, headaches, and nausea. 

Although I did experience these side effects, I still got COVID in January, and it just felt like a normal cold which was almost better than my vaccine side effects.”

These two students demonstrate how different people have different reactions to the COVID booster, and although there is a chance that one might get some temporary symptoms, it will be beneficial in the long run.